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How to Get an Apostille in California (2025 Mail-In Guide)

  • Writer: amelia oshinowo
    amelia oshinowo
  • Nov 23, 2025
  • 4 min read

 

The Complete Step-By-Step Process for U.S. and International Clients

Getting an apostille in California can feel confusing — especially if you are preparing documents for use in another country. The California Secretary of State has very specific rules about notarization, vital records, business documents, and educational certificates.

To help make the process simple, fast, and stress-free, we created this 2025 California Apostille Mail-In Guide, designed for individuals, families, businesses, students, and international clients.

This guide explains:

  • What an apostille is

  • Which California documents can receive an apostille

  • How the California apostille process works

  • The fastest way to get an apostille without visiting Sacramento

  • How to avoid delays and rejections

  • How our nationwide mail-in service helps you from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad

Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or you now live overseas, this guide will help you get your California apostille quickly and correctly.


What Is an Apostille? (2025 Rules)

An apostille is a certificate issued by the California Secretary of State that verifies the authenticity of a:

  • Notarized document

  • Vital record (birth, marriage, death)

  • School transcript or diploma

  • Court or county document

  • Business or corporate filing

Foreign governments require apostilles to prove that a U.S. document is authentic and legal.

Common reasons people need an apostille:

  • Marriage abroad

  • Dual citizenship

  • Immigration

  • Studying in another country

  • International business

  • Power of attorney

  • Birth or marriage registration overseas


Which California Documents Can Receive an Apostille?

1. Vital Records

  • California birth certificates

  • California marriage certificates

  • California death certificates

Must be issued by the county OR California Department of Public Health.

2. Notarized Documents

  • Power of attorney

  • Permission letters

  • Affidavits

  • Travel consent forms

  • Copies certified by a California notary

Must be notarized by a California notary with complete 2025-compliant wording.

3. School Documents

  • Transcripts

  • Diplomas

  • Enrollment letters

Must be issued by the school registrar OR notarized.

4. Court & County Documents

  • Divorce decrees

  • Adoption papers

  • Name change documents

Must be certified copies.

5. Business Documents

  • Articles of Incorporation

  • Certificates of Status

  • Bylaws

  • Resolutions

  • Operating Agreements

Issued by the California Secretary of State or notarized in California.


The Fastest Way to Get a California Apostille (2025)

If you’ve researched apostille services, you already know:

❌ Sacramento walk-in lines are extremely long

❌ No appointments are available

❌ Many documents get rejected

❌ Processing times change weekly

❌ Traveling to California is expensive

❌ Most states do NOT offer nationwide services

That’s why mail-in apostille processing is now the preferred method.


How Our Nationwide Mail-In California Apostille Service Works

We process California apostilles for clients from all 50 states and worldwide, even though our office is based in Oregon.

Here’s the exact process:

Step 1 — Prepare Your California Documents

You gather the documents you need apostilled. We help you determine:

  • if the document qualifies

  • if you need a certified copy

  • if notarization is required

  • if corrections are needed before mailing

Free document review is included.

Step 2 — Mail Your Documents to Our Processing Center

You ship your documents to our secure Oregon processing center:

  • USPS

  • UPS

  • FedEx

  • DHL

We notify you the moment your package arrives.

Step 3 — We Submit Your Documents for Apostille Processing

As soon as your documents arrive, we begin processing the same day.

We:

✔ review your documents✔ prepare the apostille forms✔ handle the California Secretary of State process✔ track your order from start to finish

You never need to travel, wait in lines, or deal with the state.

Step 4 — We Ship Your Apostilled Documents Back to You

Choose from:

  • Standard

  • Priority

  • Express

  • International Priority

We provide full tracking and secure packaging.

This is the easiest and most reliable way to obtain a California apostille in 2025.


How Long Does a California Apostille Take? (2025)

Processing times can vary depending on volume, but with mail-in service you typically receive your apostilled documents in:

✔ 1–4 business days of processing


✔ Return shipping time

This is faster than:

  • doing it yourself

  • visiting the state office

  • using unlicensed processors

  • mailing to the wrong agency

  • waiting in Sacramento lines


Why Use a Mail-In Apostille Service Instead of Doing It Yourself?

❌ Avoid Rejections

Incorrect notarization → rejected. Wrong vital record → rejected. School documents not certified → rejected.

We prevent all of this.

❌ Avoid Delays

Sacramento delays can add weeks to your timeline.

We know the correct process and handle it for you.

❌ Avoid Travel & Appointments

You don’t need to:

  • drive to Sacramento

  • stand in line

  • take time off work

  • fly to California from another state

❌ Save Time

You don’t need to learn complicated apostille rules.

❌ We Communicate Clearly

We keep you updated at every stage.

If you are an Arabic-speaking client, Ghassan provides full Arabic support throughout the process.


California Apostille FAQ (2025 Updated)

1. Can I get a California apostille if I don’t live in California?

Yes. You can live anywhere in the U.S. or overseas. What matters is that the document was issued in California.

2. Do you accept international clients?

Yes. We serve clients in:

  • Middle East

  • North Africa

  • Europe

  • Asia

  • Latin America

  • Africa

  • GCC countries

Arabic support is available.

3. How do I know if my document is eligible?

We offer free document review before mailing.

4. Can you apostille notarized documents?

Yes — but the notarization must meet 2025 California rules. We help you verify this.

5. Can you apostille a California birth or marriage certificate?

Yes — as long as it is a certified copy from:

  • the county OR

  • the California Department of Public Health


Conclusion

Getting a California apostille doesn’t need to be complicated. With our nationwide mail-in service, you can complete the entire process from home — whether you live in California, another U.S. state, or overseas.

We provide clear communication, expert guidance, and Arabic-speaking support for clients who need it.

If you’re ready to begin, we’re here to make the process fast, simple, and stress-free.



 
 
 

Comments

What is an apostille and when do I need one?

An apostille is a certification that verifies a U.S.-issued document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. You need an apostille when a foreign government, school, employer, or institution requires proof that your document is authentic.

​

How do I get an apostille without going to the Secretary of State?

You can get an apostille using our nationwide mail-in apostille service. You mail your documents to us, we prepare and submit them to the correct state authority, and return them to you with full tracking.

 

Do you provide apostille services for all 50 states?

Yes. We provide nationwide mail-in apostille services for documents issued in all 50 U.S. states.

 

How long does it take to get an apostille?

Apostille processing times vary by state and document type. After reviewing your documents, we provide an estimated timeline, and expedited service may be available.

 

Do I need to send an original document or a notarized copy?

Whether you need an original or a notarized copy depends on the document type and the receiving country. We review your documents first and confirm exactly what is required before submission.

 

Can I mail my documents from anywhere in the United States?

Yes. You can mail your documents from anywhere in the United States. Our service is designed for nationwide mail-in apostille processing.

 

Can you apostille documents for use outside the United States?

Yes. Apostilles are used for documents being presented in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

 

What types of documents can be apostilled?

Common documents that can be apostilled include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, court orders, diplomas, academic transcripts, powers of attorney, affidavits, business documents, and background checks.

 

Do you review my documents before I mail the originals?

Yes. We strongly recommend a document review first. You can send a photo or scan, and we’ll confirm requirements so you know exactly what to send.

 

Are my documents secure during the process?

Yes. All documents are carefully handled, and all outbound and return shipments include tracking.

 

Do you offer international return shipping?

Yes. We offer tracked international return shipping via USPS, DHL, or FedEx, depending on destination and availability.

 

How do I get started?

Call or text us to start with a document review, or contact us directly by email. We’ll guide you step by step before submission.

© 2025 by Amelia Oshinowo 

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